The Napa Valley Wine Train's Popular Murder Mystery Rides Are Back — and Harry Potter Fans Are Going to Freak (Video)

Wine lovers, there’s a murder afoot.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is well-known for its fun and innovative day-trips through California’s Napa Valley. Over the years, the company has made its regular wine tour rides even more fun with themed rides, including (but not limited to) a beer train, a holiday-themed Santa train, and a few murder mystery trains.

Combining wine, food, and entertainment, the Napa Valley Wine Train debuted its first ride with The Murder Mystery Company in April 2019, and ran a special 1980s murder mystery train in September. Now, the popular train ride is back — and there are so many more themes to choose from.

“Guests have loved the highly interactive nature of the experience when the Murder Mystery Tour launched in 2019, so we’re excited to partner with The Murder Mystery Company and its cast of talented actors for 2020,” said Scott Goldie, co-CEO of the Napa Valley Wine Train. “This year’s themes will add a few twists and give everyone a chance to enjoy an evening of flavorful food and fun detective work.”

The new murder mystery trains are available on select dates, and the theme of the interactive show changes depending on when you go. Below are the dates and themes for 2020:

• Feb. 22 – Crime and Punishment
• Feb. 25 – Midnight at the Masquerade
• March 2 – Crime and Punishment
• April 25 – Crime and Punishment
• May 15 – Death of a Gangster
• May 29 – Crime and Punishment
• June 12 – Death of a Gangster
• June 27 – Crime and Punishment
• July 16 – Totally ‘80s Totally Murder
• July 30 – Dance with Death
• Aug. 13 – Now you see it; Now you don't
• Aug. 27 – Death of a Gangster
• Sept. 10 – Till Death Do Us Part
• Sept. 24 – Till Death Do Us Part
• Oct. 10 – Crime and Punishment
• Oct. 24 – Wizarding World
• Nov. 7 – Crime and Punishment
• Nov. 14 – Crime and Punishment
• Dec. 5 – Most Wonderful Crime (21 and older)

In addition, guests are encouraged to dress up according to their theme. The company’s original storyline, the “Crime and Punishment” experience, is an Agatha Christie, 1920s mystery. The popular “Totally ‘80s” journey (the company’s second storyline) takes you back to one of the most colorful eras.

New themes include a second 1920s storyline about Al Capone-esque gangsters, a 1950s-themed “Dance with Death” experience, a wedding-themed “Till Death Do Us Part” journey (on which passengers are free to dress as a bride or groom), and even a magical “Wizarding World” experience. Harry Potter fans, mark your calendars for October.

The tour’s gourmet menu is still created by executive chef Donald Young, with desserts from pastry chef Chloe Rials. The Napa Valley Wine Train, of course, also has an impressive menu of amazing wines (available for purchase).

Check-in for the Murder Mystery Tour begins at 5:30 p.m. and boarding begins at 5:50 p.m. Departure is scheduled for 6:20 p.m. (with return at 8:30 p.m.). The train leaves and returns from 1275 McKinstry Street in Napa, California.

Tickets start at $240 per person. For more information or to book your trip, visit the Napa Valley Wine Train website.